The lion and the mermaid bookstore

By Jaime Greco| gargoyle@flagler.edu

The Lion and the Mermaid Bookstore is now hosting more than books.

New owner Mary Ann Hitchcock, is hoping to turn the bookshop into the new weekend hot spot by staying open late for special downtown events, holding live music, book signings and art displays.

The Lion and the Mermaid kicked off the beginning of the holiday season events at the November Art Walk and have big plans for the upcoming December Art Walk.

“We will have live entertainment by guitarist Michael Jordon. We also have a local author, Randy Cribbs, present to sign his books that are based in St. Augustine,” Hitchcock said. “On display we’ll have five to six local artist displaying their art which includes water colors, oil paintings and mosaics.”

“I’m happy to hear the new owner is getting the store involved with the city. It doesn’t have to be just a bookstore and I’m excited to see what other events they will hold,”  Flagler College communication major Erica Carothers said.

The bookstore will also be holding a book signing by local author, Marie Vernon, on Dec. 3 for her new book “Graceland Express,”  Hitchcock said.

Students have their own ideas about the potential of the Lion and the Mermaid: “Maybe a coffee and acoustic music night. People could read poetry. I would go to something like that,” Carothers said.

Information about The Lion and The Mermaid Bookstore events is available on their Facebook page or visit their website www.lionandmermaid.com for other information about the growing business.